Jefferson

Just four miles north of its brother camp, Kieve (but a thirty-minute drive—it’s on the other side of the lake), Wavus won the location lottery, occupying a two-mile peninsula on the shore of Damariscotta Lake. Summer can be spent fully submerged in water, whether that means afternoon swims or zip-lining straight into the lake. But there’s plenty of activity on land, too: archery, riflery, an obstacle course, pottery, and improv theater. The packed itinerary and open community provide a safe space for girls to run wild. Summer highlights? Wilderness trips, ranging from one-day overnights spent canoeing and backpacking to a twenty-one-day trek on the Appalachian Trail. (Campers are sorted by age and experience.) Girls leave their three-week session with dirt under their nails and confidence in their hearts, which is why many adopt Wavus as a second home, returning as campers and counselors year after year. Campers are ages eight to seventeen years old, but if you think they’re ready for it, Junior Wavus offers a ten-day session for girls in grades two to four.